Elements in the New Testament

My Ignorance

I remember in Sunday School teaching through the book of Colossians and coming up against this word “elements” (gk stoicheia), in Col. 2:8, 20-22.  Simply stumped as to what it meant.
I just skimmed over the word (shame on me!) and went on to something that was familiar.

Safe.  Easy.  Smart?

Since then, a lot of water has passed under the bridge, if you know what I mean.  Due to my willingness to be proven wrong (although sometimes kicking and screaming), I have come to the realization that I do not know it all. 

All you that are surprised by this admission, please raise your hands.

Eschatological “Elements“

Anyway, I was reading a passage on eschatology and the author addressed the new heavens and new earth in 2 Peter.  He showed that Peter used the word “stoicheia” when referring to the elements that would melt with fervent heat.

His suggestion floored me as to what the elements were and I promised myself I would research it some more.

What I found was the following essay addressing this very word, and the very concern I had.   

It has challenged me on many fronts.

Take a read and let me know whatchathink!

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